SUMMER has officially arrived and to accompany the excellent weather, we’ve got a fresh batch of new tunes to deliver. Covering everything from international popstars to local indie outfits, check out Lorde, Parliamo, VanIves, The War on Drugs and more.
Lorde ‘Stoned at the Nail Salon’
Following the release of the euphoric ‘Solar Power’ last month, Lorde is back with another insight into her upcoming album. In opposition to the bright, vibrant nature of ‘Solar Power’, this new track is a sombre reflection on growing old, domesticity and questioning whether you’ve made the right decisions. Featuring Phoebe Bridgers and Clairo on backing vocals, it finds Lorde singing over the delicate plucking of a guitar – sprinkling words of wisdom in a way that’s eloquent, wistful and hugely resonant.
The War on Drugs ‘Living Proof’
The War on Drugs have released a new song, “Living Proof,” from their upcoming album, ‘I Don’t Live Here Anymore’, out October 29th via Atlantic Records. The track finds Adam Granduciel singing over tender guitar strums and a handful of pensive, melancholic piano chords. Atmospheric synths help to build the song but it never quite reaches the explosive climax we’re used to – instead almost receding into itself as it plays out. While it’s still identifiable as War on Drugs, it shows them more restrained and reflective.
Parliamo ‘Life on the TV’
After bursting back onto the scene with the brilliant ‘Paul & Barry’ earlier this month, Perth’s Parliamo continue their remarkable reinvention with the release of ‘Life on the TV’. The new single keeps the same vibe as its predecessor – channelling the baggy sounds of the Madchester movement in the late 80s and early 90s while dipping its toes into psychedelic Britpop. Carried by an effortless swagger, the track bursts to life on the fun, instantly addictive chorus – frontman Jack’s vocals accompanied by soulful backing vocals. Adding some indie-dance influences to their colourful sound, it’s another fantastic outing from the six-piece
Vanives ‘Nothing’
A few weeks after releasing ‘Swim Easy’ with Be Charlotte, Vanives are back with a brand new offering called ‘Nothing’. Beautifully produced, it’s an emotional track that opens quietly with the chime of a piano melody before doubling down with enveloping layers of vocal harmonies. Deeply affecting, Stuart Ramage’s vocals really pull on the heartstrings as the track builds to a rousing conclusion. Wherever their sonic experimentation takes them, their ability to tap into the emotional core of a song is undoubtedly their biggest strength.
They say “Nothing’ is about hope in a broken relationship, about hoping your good traits can repair something your problems started”
Remi Wolf ‘Liquor Store’
With her eagerly anticipated debut full-length arriving this autumn, Remi Wolf has shared another big pop bop called ‘Liquor Store’. The dizzying track throws us right into her technicolour psych-pop world – full of eccentric charm, joyful chaos and soulful, raspy vocals. Underneath all the vibrancy, there’s a darker tone of self-examination as she reflects on her journey with sobriety.
Childish Gambino, Brittany Howard ‘Stay High’
Childish Gambino has shared a synth-heavy version of Brittany Howard’s ‘Stay High’. The track retains its airy, uplifting and soulful quality with synths, handclaps, textured percussion and his familiar falsetto. The new version will appear on Howard’s forthcoming project Jaime Reimagined, which includes 13 covers and remixes of songs from her celebrated 2019 debut solo album Jaime.
The Linda Lindas ‘Oh!’
Viral teen punks the Linda Lindas have unveiled a pummelling new track called ‘Oh!’. Following on from ‘Racist, Sexist Boy’ which delivered an unapologetic message on racism and misogyny, the band are back and in thunderous form. The new track finds them demanding to be heard, they say it “deals with trying to help out someone and having it blow up in your face”.
Check out our weekly New Music Rdar playlist below.
